Assessment of serum TSPO and VEGF in prediabetic and Diabetic patients
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem associated with microvascular complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy. Early detection remains challenging. Translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic factor, may serve as biomarkers of early diabetic microvascular injury. Aim: To assess serum TSPO and VEGF levels in prediabetic and diabetic patients and evaluate their association with diabetic retinopathy. Methods: A prospective case-control study included 90 participants recruited from Minia University Hospital between January 2024 and September 2025. Participants were classified into controls (n=15), prediabetes (n=15), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without retinopathy (n=25), T2DM with retinopathy (n=20), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (n=15). Clinical assessment, laboratory investigations including glycemic profile, lipid profile, albumin/creatinine ratio, serum TSPO, serum VEGF with fundus examination were performed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post hoc testing. Results: Serum TSPO increased significantly across groups, from controls (0.53±0.23 ng/ml) to prediabetes (0.63±0.27 ng/ml), T2DM without retinopathy (0.83±0.28 ng/ml), and T2DM with retinopathy (1.24±0.62 ng/ml) (P=0.001). VEGF showed a nonsignificant increasing trend. Glycemic indices and albumin/creatinine ratio were significantly higher in diabetic groups, particularly those with retinopathy. TC and TG were elevated, whereas HDL and LDL showed no significant differences. TSPO and VEGF levels did not differ significantly between controls and T1DM. Conclusion: Serum TSPO is significantly associated with dysglycemia and diabetic retinopathy, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker of diabetic microvascular injury. In contrast, serum VEGF appears less sensitive as a systemic marker.
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7171315744
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